Art inspiration: over the top extravagance and wealth.

Controlled by Karrnath

Points of Interest

• Temple of the Blood of Vol
• Blue Alley – dangerous enchanted alley
• The Field of Triumph – center for public sporting events
• The Heroes Garden – public statue garden
• The House of Heroes – largest temple to the Sovereign Host in the city, dedicated to Dol Dorn
• The House of the Moon – tall tower temple of Balinor
• The House of Inspired Hands – engineering workshop, classrooms, and lecture halls and temple of Onatar
• The House of Wonder – temple of Aureon
• Embassy of Karrnath
• Shrines to Nature – public park and shrines to the natural aspects of Arawai and Boldrei
• Temple of Beauty – public baths and grooming salons and temple of Arawai
• Tower of Luck – temple of Olladra

Description

The closest thing to a winner of the Last War as there is, Karrnath was able to poach the richest of Throneport’s wards when the city was split between the surviving kingdoms. Sea Ward stands proud on the high ground above Thronehold’s sunset shadow. The richest and most powerful of Throneport’s citizens reside or run their businesses here.

Sea Ward was the site of the island’s first fortresses on what used to be fields of grass tousled by the Sound’s sea wind. You can still see the remains of some of those old castles incorporated into the palatial homes of the noble families that dwell in the Sea Ward. For the best all-around view of the glittering homes enshrouded by garden walls, go to where Diamond Street and Delzorin Street cross and simply spin in a circle.

Blue and gold are the Sea Ward’s colors in competitions, and the ward’s mascot is the sea lion – a fanciful combination of fish and feline. Must-see locations in the Sea Ward begin with the Field of Triumph, but just across the street is the no less remarkable House of Heroes- the largest temple in the city. Dedicated to Dol Dorn, its many grand halls celebrate the city’s champions of both battle and sport. The winners of ward competitions are paraded here after their victories, often carried on shoulders or passed from hand to hand over the heads of a crowd.

Another must-see spot is the House of Wonder. One of the most splendid temples in the city, dedicated to Aureon in his aspect of patron of magic. Although your eye will be drawn to its ornate towers, brilliant mosaics, and magical displays, look also for the humble violets growing amid the ostentation. These delicate flowers were favorites of the city’s first ruler, a wizard, and they are planted about the temple in memory of him.

Two other temples in the ward are as impressive, but in different ways. The beauteous House of the Moon has the tallest tower of any temple in the city. At its top, priests of Balinor bask under the open sky in all seasons. The House of Inspired Hands, dedicated to Onatar, presents an altogether less peaceful experience. Here, many of the great innovative minds of the city invent and experiment, attempting to create everything from flying machines to stronger door hinges. But don’t expect a mere museum of marvels. At this site, “worship is work,” as anyone at the temple is liable to tell you.

If you’re looking for some good fortune, you should visit the Tower of Luck, a temple complex dedicated to Olladra. The “tower” in question is actually a many-pillared atrium ingeniously roofed over with glass. Beneath the roof, a bronze sculpture of a diminutive Olladra, depicted as a laughing young halfling girl, appears to be leaping from the very top of an astounding fountain. To pay their respects and make a wish, visitors come around the fountain on a walkway and toss their coin to Olladra. Managing to land it in her outstretched hand is a sure sign of her favor.

If you need to refresh yourself during your travels, or perhaps to primp before an important meeting or a night out, visit Arawai’s faithful at the Temple of Beauty. Dedicated to an interesting aspect of the Sovereign of Life and Love, its marbled public baths and mirrored salons are open from before dawn to after dusk. There’s no fee for these services or for the advice and aid of the temple’s many pleasant attendants, but donations are encouraged.

Two parks in the Sea Ward might also be worth your time. The Shrines to Nature, just a block away from the Tower of Luck, are resplendent gardens dedicated to the natural aspects of Arawai and Boldrei. The park is closed to all except residents of the Sea Ward. Yet from beyond the iron fence that surrounds it, you can catch glimpses of the superb shrines, statues, and fountains within. The Heroes’ Garden is the only green space in the city that is open to the public besides the City of the Dead, but it is tucked away so far to the north in the Sea Ward that it gets few visitors- which is a pity, since the fine statuary in this lush garden portrays many of the figures important to the city’s history.

One last location in the Sea Ward is of particular interest to adventurers. There is a house in the Sea Ward without windows or doors. You can’t see it from the street, and those who live near it will not speak of it to others. You’ll know you are near it when you see blue tiles on the streets and walls leading into an alley that passes under the surrounding buildings. At night, these tiles glimmer dimly with the blue light of foxfire. More than one route leads into the Blue Alley, as this place is known, but there are precious few ways out. Most who enter don’t come back. If you see blue tiles, turn around and walk away before it is too late.

Ward Entry

Sea Ward is the most heavily guarded Ward in Throneport. All permanent residents possess Karrnathi issued identification papers, and only permanent residents have free access to the Ward. Karrnath only allows visitors to enter Sea Ward at Chasso’s Trot off the High Road, West Gate at the Mud Flats, and Mendever Street at the Market. Commercial traffic can further enter the Ward on Trader’s Way. Visitors unaccompanied by permanent Ward residents are only allowed to enter the district at or after 5am and must leave the district by 10pm. Any unaccompanied visitors caught in the Ward between 10pm and 5am are taken into custody for questioning and may face further imprisonment.

Ward Security

Karrnath’s civic legion outnumbers every guard force in the city except for Breland’s peacekeepers, and they are far more heavily armed and armored than those who keep the peace in Dock Ward. Every major street intersection features a legion checkpoint and legionnaire barracks are scattered throughout the district, guaranteeing a significant legionnaire response within moments of any incident.

Rumor has it that the Karrnathi legion is bolstered by a regiment of undead soldiers in full armor that conceals their reanimated state, but Karrnathi officials vehemently deny they have brought any undead troops into the city.